Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder where a person experiences trauma that affects their day-to-day ability to function. While every person has experienced trauma to some degree, individuals with PTSD significantly struggle in various areas of their lives, including their ability to work, socialize, or take care of themselves. It affects more than 3 million Americans every year. Naturally, this means that it can disrupt one’s ability to sleep well at night on their Orange County mattress. Many people with PTSD may dream about their traumatic event occurring again. Insomnia symptoms have been reported in 35–61% of patients with the disorder, and 90% experience some kind of sleep disorder overall. So how exactly do professionals in the psychiatric industry treat this problem?

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Higher state of fear and anxiety
• Avoidance of external reminders of the traumatic event
• Hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations 
• Suicidal ideation

Physical changes in the body as a result of PTSD can include:

• Faster heart rate
• A more easily-triggered fight-and-flight response
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Weight gain

How do specialists treat sleep disorders in patients with PTSD?

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is designated to help patients control the intrusive thoughts that keep them awake at night. According to the Sleep Foundation, between 70% and 80% of patients have benefitted from this therapy program. There are a few different approaches to CBT-I: cognitive interventions, behavioral interventions, and psychoeducational interventions. These approaches consist of several different elements:

• Cognitive Restructuring
• Stimulus Control
• Sleep Restriction and Compression
• Relaxation Training (breathing exercises, autogenic training, biofeedback, hypnosis, and meditation)

There are typically 6 to 8 sessions. The doctor will personalize your session based on your symptoms as well as whatever you are most comfortable with.

Medications

Some people with PTSD take medications to help them sleep better at night. One of the most common of these medications is prazosin, which can also be used to treat high blood pressure. Sedative antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, mirtazapine, and trimipramine and the sedative atypical antipsychotics quetiapine are other drugs that are prescribed for treatment.

Can a new Orange County mattress help with my PTSD?

Getting a new mattress is not going to cure a psychiatric disorder, however, if you have a particularly old and uncomfortable bed, you are much less likely to wind down and be able to get the sleep you need. If you especially dislike your current bed, we strongly recommend checking out some of the best Orange County mattress stores near you while you are being treated. You are suffering from a legitimate medical condition, so it is important to remember to be easier on yourself. Be open with your doctors about your emotions and habits so that you can make the routine changes you need to live the happiest and most productive life you can. Once you have a comfortable mattress to sleep on, keep your room cool and dark and reserve the bedroom for sleep only. Keep a consistent bedtime routine as well and avoid staying up too late. All these little things can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your overall health.